Left Brain Stroke

Overview

Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called "hemispheres." They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the left side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain's right side. Let's look at some symptoms of a left brain stroke.

Right-side paralysis

Many people experience paralysis after stroke. One side of your face may droop, or you may have weakness in an arm or leg. But did you know that the hemispheres of the brain actually control movement on the opposite side of the body? So when a left brain stroke causes paralysis, the paralysis is on the body's right side.

Speech and language

For most people, the brain's left hemisphere handles language and speech. So a left brain stroke can cause a wide rage of speech and language problems. You may have trouble speaking, or trouble recalling words. You may be unable to speak. We call these speech problems "aphasia."

Other issues

A left brain stroke can affect your brain in other ways, too. You may have trouble remembering things. You may have trouble understanding concepts and learning new things. Your attention span may be shorter than it used to be. And some people experience a change in behavior. If you do, you may notice that you've become more slow and cautious.

Conclusion

No matter which side of your brain is affected, your doctor will create a care plan that is right for you. Recovering from stroke is hard, and it can take a long time. But If you follow the advice of your care team, you can make improvements and get back to the life you enjoy.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.